Robin van Persie struck an injury time equaliser against West Ham (Picture: EPA)

West Ham captain Kevin Nolan was left baffled by the four minutes of stoppage time at the end of yesterday’s thrilling 2-2 FA Cup third-round tie with Manchester United – but applauded the quality of Robin van Persie’s last-gasp equaliser.

The Irons looked to be heading into the fourth round after two James Collins headers had cancelled out Tom Cleverley’s opener.

However, with 90 minutes already played, substitute Ryan Giggs’s sublime crossfield pass found Van Persie and the Dutchman, who had also started on the bench, took it in his stride before firing home.

Nolan, 30, accepts one of United’s great strengths is always playing until the final whistle goes – whenever that may be.

‘I was baffled by the four minutes, but you have to get on with it and see if you can see it through. Unfortunately, we could not do it,’ he said.

Kevin Nolan (left) was baffled by the amount of time added on in their draw with Manchester United (Picture: AFP)

‘Everyone realised it should not have been four minutes. But you will have to ask [referee] Mr Atkinson that, because I am not getting a fine.

‘Manchester United have done it for years, they have been fantastic and a top team, hats off to them because they go to the final whistle.

‘It is not like we have gifted them a goal, they have brought a pure quality move. When you see it in real time, what a touch and a finish, what a ball.’

Despite the disappointment of not holding on for the win, Irons boss Sam Allardyce also admits it is difficult not to be in awe of the class of Van Persie, who signed from Arsenal for £24million.

‘Twenty goals in whatever, 28 games, answers that. The man himself picked the team where he thinks he can get the most trophies, not make the most money, and that is to his credit,’ he said.